Growing Together Through Silence and Dialogue in the Lower School: The Power of Community Period

This year’s school-wide theme, Growing Together Through Silence and Dialogue, reflects the core values of Friends Seminary and highlights the importance of intentional connection.In the Lower School, this commitment to growth is reflected in the many ways we come together as a community, whether through joyful Community Periods, the reflective practice of Meeting for Worship (MFW), or engaging activities with student-led culture clubs. These routines provide stability, belonging, and opportunities for deep learning and reflection, fostering a culture of dialogue and shared understanding.

Community Period is a cherished tradition in the Lower School, offering a time for students, faculty, and staff to come together as one. These gatherings create space to connect through stories, songs, and meaningful learning. By meeting as a group, students develop a sense of responsibility and belonging, understanding that they are vital members of a larger whole.

This year’s sessions have brought vibrancy and cultural learning into the Lower School. Visits from Ballet Hispánico and discussions around Día de los Muertos and Diwali celebrated diversity and demonstrated how cultural events can be woven into the curriculum. These moments honor tradition and provide students with opportunities to engage in dialogue about the world around them.

Community Period is also an opportunity to build on classroom activities and extend a love of learning. This is evident in visits from inspiring guests, such as author and illustrator K-Fai Steele earlier this year, with more exciting sessions planned, including an animation workshop led by Judith Seidel. It’s also a time for students to get to know more about our faculty and staff and to experience movement and creativity in the Meetinghouse, such as during the annual Lower School Dance Assembly.

When we are not gathered together in the Meetinghouse, Community Period lives in our homerooms as we come together along grade level, visiting with former classmates in their new homerooms. We also use this time for “Buddies.” Kindergarten is paired with third grade and first grade is paired with fourth grade, modeling leadership and creating cross-grade friendships. 

On occasion, alumni, parents, and faculty have also led these moments, enriching the experience with their stories and expertise. Parent and alum Evan Pazner, alongside his bandmates, brought joy to the community through music and a fascinating history of the drum kit, showing students how the past informs the present. Last year, parent and jazz musician Ernest Stuart discussed cultural retention as he highlighted African rhythms, known as clave, which provide the backbone for styles spanning pop music to reggae. Through his trombone playing and student participation, the rhythms came alive in the Meetinghouse.

“Our Community Periods are opportunities to bring in vibrant, diverse and relevant voices that inspire our students and enrich their learning,” says Khairah Klein, Assistant Head of Lower School. “We’re always looking for ways to make these gatherings engaging, inclusive, and meaningful.”

Through these gatherings, the Lower School community grows together, reinforcing values of inclusivity, stewardship, and joy in learning.